FAIRBANKS, Alaska – In an exciting game, the Lindenwood men’s hockey team bounced back to defeat Alaska 7-4 on Saturday night. This win helped the Lions split their weekend series with the Nanooks. They rallied impressively after trailing 2-0 at the first intermission.
The first period saw Alaska take an early lead, with Nathan Rickey scoring at 6:40. Michael Citara added another goal just before the first break, putting Lindenwood in a tight spot. Interestingly, both teams struggled with their power plays early on, going 0 for 2.
Things changed in the second period. Jake Delaney scored quickly, making it 2-1. Just a minute later, during a Nanooks penalty, Giovanni Morneau leveled the score with a power-play goal. The excitement continued as Tommy Cronin briefly put Alaska back in front, but Lindenwood responded within two minutes, thanks to Jake Southgate.
The Lions took their first lead with a goal from Olivier Houde, who teamed up well with his shot. Jacob Fletcher then showcased his skills with another goal, making the score 5-3. Lindenwood finished strong, adding two empty-net goals in the closing minutes.
Despite being outshot 35-28, Lindenwood’s ability to capitalize on power plays – scoring two goals on six opportunities – proved crucial. They also successfully killed off seven of Alaska’s eight power plays. This win ended a five-game road losing streak for the Lions, improving their away record to 5-5-0.
Looking ahead, Lindenwood is off next week but will face Stonehill in Massachusetts for two games on February 6th and 7th.
A Closer Look at Their Performance
Statistics show that teams with a strong power play and penalty kill have a higher chance of winning. According to recent NHL data, teams converting over 25% of power plays typically see greater success. Lindenwood’s 33% efficiency in this game illustrates their progress in this area.
Moreover, team morale plays a big role in performance. After five straight losses on the road, this victory could significantly boost the Lions’ confidence as they move forward in the season.
If Lindenwood keeps this momentum, they could be a team to watch as they head into the more challenging part of their schedule. Winning on the road is tough, and this victory might just be the turning point they needed.
For more insights on hockey statistics and performance trends, check out reliable resources like the NHL’s official statistics page.
